Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure called this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other filthy rich passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective even without a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the youth anxious. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
